Page 55 of Enemy Games

“What’s too complicated?” I wasn’t sure whether or not I liked all of her questions. Sometimes, I just wanted someone else to tell me what to do, not make me think it through for myself.

“Our pasts. I can’t forget about that. Plus he’s a senior. He's about to be drafted. He could end up anywhere in the country.”

She shifted so she was sitting cross-legged in front of me. “So?”

“So?” She was exasperating. “I don't think he wants a long-distance girlfriend his first year in the NHL.”

“What do you want?”

I hadn’t let myself think about that. “I think it could work.”

“And have you asked him where he stands?”

I snorted a laugh. “No, of course not.”

She tilted her head. “Why not?”

“Why would I have asked him about that?” What planet was she from where that would come up in a casual conversation?

“Well, then you don't know for sure.”

“It's not like I can just ask him.”

“Why not?”

I pushed up until I was sitting too. “Because that's weird. You just don't do that.”

She eyed my new position. “But then how will you know?”

“I don't even know if he's interested in me. I can't just walk up to him and say, ‘Hey, forget about everything that's happened. You and I should date.’”

Her neutral expression cracked, and she laughed. “Yeah, that would be awkward. Don't do that.”

I dropped my head back. “Well, then, what would I do?”

“I don't know. Suggest you two hang out.”

“Like on a date?” There was no way I was asking him out.

“It doesn't have to be a date. At least not at first. You guys could just study or grab a coffee or …”

“You want me to ask him on a date.” Studying or coffee was a thinly veiled attempt to skirt around the real deal.

“I didn't say that.” She huffed.

I fell back against the pillows and stared up at the ceiling again. ”It's just too complicated. I should be happy that I've at least had the opportunity to let go of the hurt and pain that he caused. That's a weight off my shoulders.”

“But what if it could be more?” She poked me in the side.

What if was a big question.

I was attracted to him; that was undeniable. And he was so different than the boy I used to know. But that didn't mean he was interested in me. And that definitely didn't mean he would want to date me.

I wasn't even sure it was allowed. “Do you think there's a rule against it?”

“I haven't heard of one. I can ask Karly.”

I shot up. “You can't ask her!”